Koonichiwa Minna-sans! Arigato for the reviews and all the support that you have all given me in this story. Please enjoy this chapter like any other... Aya45


Chapter 4

Singingthe melody he sung unto me

From the day I shall die he told me we would be

Waiting here for you, happiness soon fading

Light and Darkness forgetting my pain

I wait here, for your coming

Let us marry, and become one…

"Don't listen to her song!" Kaoru yelled as the soft and sweet melody started getting louder as the figure started approaching more to the group.

Everyone covered there ears accept Kenshin who stood his ground while getting in a batojutsu stance, his eyes narrowed and became deathly cold. (Yet they where still amethyst)

"Who is it that stands in our way?" Kenshin yelled out

Kaoru quickly put her staff in a strap that hung across her chest and back, though she put her staff behind her. Quickly taking out her katana and muttering under her breath, "Concentrate on the spirit and forget about your surroundings when exorcising a spirit."

"Kaoru-dono do you have any idea how to exorcise a spirit?" Kenshin asked as he hears the muffling of his friends behind him.

The bright glowing object that had appeared from afar was now so close to them.

"Spirit who finds unrest in this world, what troubles you?" Kaoru asked softly as the bright red orb on top of her staff continued to glow brightly.

The glowing object soon began to fade as a young woman stepped out of it and said quietly, "…You will die like the rest…"

She had black hair like the night sky and milky white skin that glowed. Her clothes where of a mere white robe, that covered her perfectly. The outline of her body still shone making her visible in the darkness that surrounded them.

"My love where is he…I wait for him…tell me please…"

Kenshin was thoroughly thinking that the women before him was beautiful like Kaoru yet had an aura that showed right through her making her easy to find out. Not at all like Kaoru, she was mysterious…

"He is dead…he has been dead for a long time…you have been waiting for him this long?" Kenshin asked

Kaoru was on guard. Her narrowed eyes widened as she felt strong ki surrounding her.

'What is this aura…it feels so…deadly…' Kaoru thought as she scanned her surroundings carefully and stared at Kenshin's batojutsu stance and then said to Kenshin, "To exorcise a spirit I need the help of a nature fairy…you must find me at least one right now…I'll buy you time but you must hurry!"

Kenshin nodded as he turned gingerly around and ran toward the darkness of the forest.

Tomoe "Where does the young man go?" She asked quietly as she watched carefully of Kenshin's retreating figure.

Kaoru scanned the spirit and then said hastily, "He is dead Tomoe…the man you once loved, and it has been centuries since his death. You have killed for no cause and taken the spirits of the people you killed and feasted on them."

Tomoe's hands clenched beside her.

She has a strong will not to break down and cry…as most would do.

"It can not be I am only 18! No younger no older…I have only been waiting a week, he will eventually come for me and we will wed on a full moon like he told me." She stated angrily as she shook her head uncontrollably.

The Kenshin-gumi who by then had stopped covering their ears watched silently. Tomoe smiled and was about to follow Kenshin when Kaoru who had secretly muttered a spell roared, "Fu No Si Kampo!" It was an intermediate containment spell it would hold for only a matter of time.

"What have you done to me!" Tomoe yelled as an invisible force held her.

"Hurry Kenshin…"

"Where in the heck would a nature fairy be?" Kenshin muttered he was having trouble seeing in the dark and he had no idea where he was, he could only use his other senses other then sight and that was touch and smell.


Among Fairies:

"Tae-san…what is a human doing in this forest? He will surely die." Said a fairy among the darkness of the forest laid a tiny village, where fairies lived. It glowed profoundly and the light could only be seen with people with strong will of heart.

Another fairy that seemed older and mature nodded and said, "Yes Tsubame-chan I wonder what he does here…do you suppose he is in search for something he has lost? Or is wandering in pure darkness."

"Oh Tae-san I must at least guide him to a safer place." Tsubame said frankly and fidgeted with her green cotton dress. Tae sighed and looked at the outlines of the human and replied, "Oh alright but you must return at once after you guide him out of the forest." Tsubame nodded and hugged Tae and with a wave of her hand, she threw fairy dust on herself turning herself into a human girl. Carefully not being noticed by the rest of the fairies which where in their houses sleeping, crept close to a tree.


"Damn…what am I suppose to do Kaoru-dono needs a nature fairy and I can't find one, or at least cant seem to catch sight of one." Kenshin scoffed

Tsubame was about to tap Kenshin on the shoulder when she heard the word nature fairy.

"What might he do to me I can't do this…he may kill me but I must at least take a chance." Tsubame thought fearfully

Kenshin who had his eyes closed shot open faster then lightning and he turned around with shocking speed.

Tsubame "How in the three imperial heavens did he sense me coming toward him?"

Tae looked with a pinch of amusement in her chocolate colored eyes her wings flapped at incredible speed. Having her arms crossed across her chest, she sighed and with a telepathic thought to Tsubame said coyly, "My Dear Tsubame go on and help him, I sense that this human will not harm you for the world, because he is need of help."

"Who is there?" Kenshin asked suspiciously and had his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"You wanted a nature fairy am I correct in asking." Tsubame said meekly as she stepped out from behind the tree. She grabbed her small pouch that hung tightly across her waist and brought out some fairy dust throwing it on herself and making her glow radiantly so Kenshin could see himself and Tsubame.

Kenshin's eyes widened and then he said, "You are a nature fairy, not an air fairy nor fire fairy?"

"You are correct I am a nature fairy sir." She said and bowed

"Will you help me I am in a hurry my friends are in explicable danger with a spirit and my sorceress friend needs a nature fairy to exorcise the spirit." Kenshin said hurriedly and gazed at Tsubame's small figure. She was of course only 14 years old.

"Of course I will help sir, my name is Tsubame, I have changed myself into a human for a temporary of time we must hurry if you do not want your friends to be killed." She turned and guided him showing him a bumpy path with her radiated light and said, "which way sir?"

Kenshin had a blank stare and then said, "…They…we came from the trail that led to a clearing surrounded by many trees…oh I cannot explain it to you." He put his hand on his forehead and closed his eyes.

"I know now come we must hurry." She began to run and Kenshin opening his eyes following with incredible speed.

Good luck dear…


"Where the heck is Kenshin when you need him!" Sano yelled angrily

Kaoru sheathed her katana and said, "Stay close to me please. I must use my staff, with this spell and you might need the light." She grabbed hold of her staff and swiftly twirled it, with a stop the narrow tip of her staff dug deep into the dirt.

"This is drastic measures but…I call forth the elder that has powers from the ancient god of philosophy! The elder I summon is Furika…the elder of wisdom." Kaoru summoned she was surrounded by twirling magnificent dark blue wind; this was the color of the elder of wisdom.

Tomoe eyes widened with horror and with struggling efforts broke free of the containment spell. Only to be caught in powerful turquoise colored wind.

"NO!" Tomoe screeched

"Who was the one that summoned I here to the human realm…thee show thou self and answer to thy question." She was as beautiful as crimson rose and had long and wavy light brown hair. Her lips where the color of blood and she was petite and slim. She wore a light blue silk kimono, flowers of varieties of colors where on her kimono. Her hands on her side and her bright and captivating green eyes showed depths of wisdom.

Everyone stood awe struck from her young form and by her magnificent beauty. Kaoru stepped forward and bowed replying, "Elder I seek for your guidance in exorcising this unruly spirit."

A dark thin eyebrow softly went up and then the elder responded, "Thee was correct to call upon I to exorcise this spirit, but was wrong to bound her by such a strong containment spell, Sorceress of Darkness."

Kaoru slightly flinched at the name she was called but made no sign of anger or hatred to the name. Everyone by then had bowed and where shaken that Kaoru could cast such a spell like this, summoning an elder!

Kenshin arrived at the nick of time and when he saw who stood before him he instantly bowed. Tsubame smiled at the elder and bowed as well. It was her dominating presence that told them to bow.

Furika gazed at Tomoe who had a stricken face and bowed her head down in shame. "Young One why do thee show sadness for an event that happened centuries ago, thee should not dwelt on the past but move forward unto the future where you should be now being reborn as a baby."

Tomoe shifted her gaze toward the darkening of the forest and then said, "I wait for my lover dear elder…why won't my Akira come for me?" She questioned with sadness.

Yahiko caught sight of Tsubame and their eyes met for a short period but then averted their gaze toward the elder.

"Who is she and how did Kenshin find her in the forest is she lost?" Yahiko thought to himself with a ting of unsure in his own question.

Kaoru averted her gaze to Kenshin, not catching sight of Tsubame thought, "Where is the nature fairy I requested?"

With a sensation that made her feel at peace, she saw Tsubame bowing to the elder.

The nature fairy I had requested but why is she in a human form? Thought Kaoru

As if reading her thoughts Furika looked at Tsubame and smiled asking, "Why is such a beautiful nature fairy in a human disguise?"

Tsubame blushed slightly and then with humiliation answered, "It was easier to guide Himura-san to his friends."

The elder with such knowledge answered to an impatient Tomoe, "Because he has died and gone to the heavens without you, he watches over you and is saddened because of what you do to the people who have come looking for."

"Then why did he not come for me? To this forest!" She yelled with anger.

The elder shook her head and she answered, "He left without you because he heard the officers say, that if the rumors of the princess falling in love with the merchant is true. That they would kill you at the kingdom because of doing the first treason and that was falling in love with an outsider among the country."

Tomoe's eyes widened ever slightly and then she muttering softly to herself, "I died anyhow love."

Then come back to me my dear…so we can spend the times we missed here in the heavens where no one will separate us.

Tomoe's lips turned ever slightly to a small smile as she said, "I suppose I am ready for my exorcising elder. Or Sorceress."

Furika smiled so softly and turned saying, "This is where you come in Kamiya-san…"

She said the word Kamiya very softly so no one else could here and Kaoru nodded as she said, "Thank you Elder of Wisdom…Nature Fairy come here."

Tsubame ran over beside of Kaoru and she instantly turned back to her fairy shape.

"This will take some of my energy away for at least 2 days but…" Kaoru thought non to happily.

Kaoru held her staff over her and closed her eyes her head tilted back and said, "I call forth the power of nature contain this spirit so she will not suffer, warm her with love and then give her the dust we where made from! Nature Fairy now do as I say!"

Tsubame tilted her head sideways as she chanted; "I call forth Zoma tree of life, Seno tree of love, and Fanio flesh from the dust. Send forth your powers and combine it with this Sorceresses power and send this spirit to the heavens where she belongs!"

Taking out of her pouch a green stone, she swiftly and quickly put fairy dust on the stone.

The Kenshin-gumi watched with interest they had never seen an exorcism before and they had their full attention on the spell.

The green stone flashed a piercing light, which made the Kenshin-gumi close their eyes with pain. Kaoru who still had her eyes closed said, "Soma La Sari Ko Man Fori---

Her eyes shot open despite the pain and she looked at Tomoe with intensity that made the world seem like no matter, she brought her staff in a horizontal angle the ruby on top of the staff seem to have sucked in the light from the stone.

In addition, with a twirling vortex of light it came toward Tomoe with speed and power. The Kenshin-gumi only heard what Kaoru said last, "---Nicoma!"

This meant live on in the heavens.

My Akira I am coming now… Were the thoughts of the spirit.

"Thank You…" She whispered.

Tomoe was engulfed in the light and nothing more could stop her from being exorcised.

The piercing bright light vanished as if it wasn't their in the first place and the elder simply smiled all the while she watched. Kaoru nearly fell, but with the support of her staff regained her balance.

The spot where Tomoe had been was empty.

"Well Kaoru you did quite well." The elder said as she slowly walked over to Kaoru.

Tsubame smiled softly and then said, "Yes she did…Kaoru-san my name is Tsubame."

The Kenshin-gumi could do nothing but gawk at what they had not seen, and it was right before their very eyes.

Yahiko was the first to speak, "…That was so COOL!" They all fell anime style and Kaoru sighed tiredly as she got up and looked at the young fairy flapping her wings and smiling down on her.

All she said was, "Introduce yourself to the others, if you may I should want to speak to the elder alone."

"Oh I have been meaning to ask you how old are you, you look like your 17." Sano asked as he scratched his head.

Furika grinned humorously and then said, "They call me elder because I am passed you in age little boy but if you must now, I am approximally1450 years old."

Misao "Whoa! Sano that is why they call her the elder, jeez you had to go ask her that." She had her hands on her hips and laughed patting a jaw dropped Sano on the back.

Tsubame turned her attention to the Kenshin-gumi and they all started to introduce themselves.

Kaoru's eyes averted to the elder as she whispered, "…I am weak on power elder…and this fairy I have no idea if I can trust her or not. I am not very fond of elves and fairies, they can be very mischievous…do you know of what I should do?"

"Considering the options I believe this fairy is very reliable and honorable she would see to it that she would rather die then dishonor her village." The elder said huskily as she looked at Tsubame with interest and then smiled softly as she stated, "Oh and Kamiya-san you should really tell your friends of your past, they have a right to know."

Kaoru's cold hard expression said "No" to the fact of telling them of her past but she seethed, "They where the ones who approached me elder, they have no right to know of my past and the burden that comes with it. I do not even consider them my friends."

Furika chuckled as she replied, "Kaoru they where your friends the time you saved them from the spirit, which could not be beaten by sword alone."

Kaoru's eyes widened, as she was speechless.

"I leave you now to a save journey to the Demon Lords kingdom." Furika heartily said as she pointed her index finger to the sky bringing a light blue shot of light toward her body.

"You know everything don't you." Megumi said before the elder disappeared.

"Oh but of course for I am The Elder of Wisdom Furika…" The elder said before she vanished in thin air.

Darkness still prevailed them and the only thing that shone was Tsubame's glowing radiances that came from her body.

"Why don't you change back to a human form Tsubame?" Yahiko meekly asked unsure if he should have said anything.

Tsubame laughed and replied, "I wasted most of my energy on providing a base for Kaoru-sans spell to change back to my disguise form."

Kaoru they where your friends the time you saved them from the spirit, which could not be beaten by sword alone…

Kaoru could not be seen, for the darkness still ruled. She propped herself down on the ground and then closed her eyes to rest awhile as she remembered her past once again…

Flashback:

"Brother…tonight we destroy the castle am I correct?" A 12-year-old Kaoru asked as she sat cross-legged on a wooden chair. She wore a white turtleneck long sleeved shirt, which was tucked in her black pants. Her leather boots tucked the ends of her black pants and her katana was securely on her waist. Kaoru's ebony colored hair was in a high ponytail and she had a smile plastered on her face.

Her brother looked at her and mockingly teased, "Oie Kaoru you are to much of a tomboy haha."

Kaoru balled up her hand to show a fist and warned Kino not to tease her. "Kino! Shut-up and tell me what's our plan."

Kino continued to tease her and he put his hand on his chin and pretended to think. "If I where to shut-up then I couldn't tell you what our plans where to be…Sister Dear."

Kaoru was crimson red with anger and she jumped up on her seat as she roared, "Elder Brother tell me now before I make your sorry ass mine!"

"Ah…the language again my sister…naughty girl you are." Kino said as he turned his back to her, which was a bad idea.

Kaoru used this opening as she jumped on Kino's back and held him tight on the neck, which about made him turn blue. "Kaoru…you choking me!"

Kaoru instantly let go as she stood her arms crossed and her head held up high. Her foot tapped the wooden floor as she said, "Brother are you lying to me?"

Kino still gasping for air turned to look at Kaoru's unsure face before he yelled, "Does this look like lying to you Kaoru!"

"Sorry." Kaoru stated as she looked down toward the floor. Kino smiled warmly as he said, "Its okay I was teasing with you and you reacted by instinct."

"Instinct! What's that suppose to mean brother?" Kaoru scoffed questionably

Kino mused and threw his hands up in the air as he replied, "Oh this and that…anyhow the plan, is you tell all the servants that mother and father sent them all away. And they can only pack a few of there stuff, while you do that I shall talk to mother and father and confirm to them that I will be going on a journey."

Kaoru nodded and then said, "Okay what time is it?"

Kino shrugged as he replied, "I guess around 4:00, you better start now you have your stuff ready?"

"Yea and you?"

"All ready never had a lot anyway, go on." Kino said as he rushed her out of the training hall.

Kaoru silently walked the corridor hall and headed for the servant quarters she then heard her mother's soft melodic voice say her name, "Kaoru dear, we haven't talked do you want to now I'm not that busy and---

"No mother but thank you for asking." Kaoru said coolly her back turned to her mother's face, but she could only imagine the stricken look on her beautiful mother.

Kaoru walked away as if nothing had happened. Her mother not even following her, she could only feel the stare of her mother.

Servant's Quarters…

"Suki father has asked all of the servants and maids to go take a vacation, all of the family will be leaving and it would not be fair to leave all of the servants, maids, and butlers here at the castle." Kaoru said cheerfully her arms where up above her head.

Suki the Head Maid tilted her head and had a questionable look as she said, "Really? Why hasn't the King told us of this vacation, I am the head maid and may not get most of the news but at least hear about leaves of the king and queen."

Kaoru waved her hands in front of her face a grin formed as she replied, "Oh but see it was unexpected…you see my uncle has fallen ill and the family must go to him."

Suki had on an exasperated look as she stated, "The King of Saeshi has fallen ILL?"

"Uh…well…yea you see it just happened and all so you see we where the first to know, none of the people now about his illness it's a secret so you can't tell anyone!" Kaoru was getting nervous but hid it pretty well with her cheerfulness.

"But Princess Kaoru really…I must ask the Queen at least." She had begun to walk to the Queens room before Kaoru saying stopped her, "Are you willing to disobey your princess head maid?"

The head maid turned her head and met Kaoru's piercing sapphire eyes, which was certainly a trait from her father making her noticeable to know that she was the princess all right. She bowed very lowly and said somberly, "No…my princess but all I want to know is a direct answer form the queen."

Kaoru's eyes narrowed as she seethed, "What? You are saying that I have no authority what so ever in the matter of my parents leave; you have mistaken your place Ms. Suki."

The maid was now slightly trembling as she kept her eyes on the floor.

"Now do as I say and no word of it to my parents because of course they now about this as well. You will gather some of your belongings and gather ALL the servants, maids, butlers, cooks all of them and leave to your homes. If you so as mention this to the Queen or the King then I swear upon my grave that I will kill you. Do you understand Suki dear?" She said the last part sweetly.

"Yes Princess…I am fully aware of what I must do." She said as she trembled more.

Kaoru with one wave of her hand said sharply, "Leave, I expect you out in a matter of 30 minutes."

The servant nodded bowed and scurried away.

Kaoru sighed and she ran her right hand through her bangs her eyes where pools of blue as she tiredly walked away.


"Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin said loudly. Kaoru's eyes snapped open and it was all bright, she closed her eyes again painfully and then opens them trying to get accustomed to the light.

"Yes." Kaoru asked softly as she found herself leaning on a tree.

Megumi who was standing over her smiled slightly as she said, "You seemed to have fallen asleep Kaoru-san, and we just woke you up."

Kaoru looked to her side where she would usually leave her staff and did not find it.

"Where is my staff?" Kaoru asked with a pinch of anger.

Her eyes roamed across all of the Kenshin-gumi until she found Yahiko about to pick her staff up. Kaoru's eyes widened with fear that she had not felt in years, with a jump to her feet she picked it up before he touched it and she seethed "Do not EVER touch my staff!"

Yahiko's eyes slightly widened in shock but quickly he yelled, "You UGLY Sorceress I was just going to pick it up and lay it beside you!"

"You BRAT if my staff where to ever be touched by another person they would be consumed in flames!" Kaoru yelled angrily as she took a look at her staff.

"I didn't know …" Yahiko said slowly and watched Kaoru carefully.

Kaoru huskily replied, "Yahiko, you have always wanted to beswordsman, your soul and mind have chosen that path for you, becoming a swordsman. Not all but some mages have there own staff which kin or sibling of theirs can touch. If you are not blood related that person will be engulfed in either fire if ruby orb, water if sapphire orb, earth roots if emerald orb, air if diamond orb, or cold sharp ice if crystal orb," She had paused for just a minute until she continued, "This staff would have engulfed you in fire." Everyone yes even Aoshi was dumbfounded.

Misao's eyes twinkled slightly as she muttered,"Roasted Yahiko would have been nice."

Yahiko eyes looked dazed and then he said furiously, "Sorry then! You didn't have to be so harsh with me." His anger clearly showed that he was hurt.

Kaoru sighed and lifted her hand to brush her bangs from her face. Her eyes seemed to have darkened, for the fear of losing this young boy was such a...what would you call it...an unbearable spike in your heart?

"…I am sorry for yelling at you, I was afraid of what would happen if you where to touch it." She said as she closed her eyes once again and tilted her head back. Letting the light consume her face with warmth.

The Kenshin-gumi looked at her as she muttered silently, "…My past…should I tell them elder?"

Kenshin's eyes widened in surprise, because it was not meant to be heard by them. Yet her eyes opened slightly and she looked at Tsubame, by then who was quietly gazing at Yahiko.

"Why are you still here aren't you suppose to be at your village?" Kaoru asked softly

The young fairy looked startled but then replied, "…Your friends said I could come with them ontheir journey, and my friend Tae will tell my parents were I will be."

"If I where to chose a fairy to come with us it would not be a nature fairy, these fairies have a tendency to be withdrawn and very homesick of their forest homes. The fairy I would chose would be a fire fairy, strong and independent those fairies speak their minds and do not get home sick." Kaoru thought as she speculated the fairy that spoke with Misao and Sano.


Tell them your past

Tell them of my past…nonsense…they are not even my friends.

There not…so how is it you protected them from the song of the spirit?

I had to or I would have put the guilt on myself.

Hee…rubbish…

Shut up…who are you?

Who am I? I am you of course…


"We better be going. Or else it will get late and we don't want any more time to pass." Kaoru stated as she began to walk on ahead.

"Wait! I will lead you all out of the forest and unto the fields where you will encounter, the mountains or else you will get lost." Tsubame said as she flew past Kaoru and was now in front of her face.

"I know how to get out of this forest, for I have already been here before." Kaoru stated simply, as she put her staff on her back strap. With one swift movement passing Tsubame, she put her hands in her pocket and began to walk away. "Are you guys coming or what?"She asked and continued to walk.

" Kaoru-san has been here before,but did not say anything no wonder, she wasn't as afraid as Misao." Aoshi said as he followed Kaoru. Sano chuckled as he muttered something under his breath that no one made out.

Megumi laughed as Misao fumed with humiliation at what Aoshi had said. Yet, she followed close beside him. Megumi of course walked on after Sano. Kenshin stood there motionless as his lavender eyes where replaced with molten amber.

I will get what I want and that is Kaoru and her past…but how then did she get passed the spirit...?

Somewhere…

"Where is she Toma…?" Asked a young man who had dark blue eyes and black hair that he tied back into a small low ponytail, he was hansom and he sat on the wooden chair with a frown on his lips.

"Dear don't worry will get her back…hm…lets just go to our rooms." The woman said seducible. She had crimson eyes and long silver hair, her pointy ears seemed to slightly move and she caught what the man murmured under his breath.

"You are an elf Toma and you can't find her!" The young man roared as he hit the table.

The elf smirked as she said soberly, "Dear…I'm sorry."

The young man stood up and hugged her tightly as he said, "Forgive me Toma I just…miss her is all."

Toma then with a slight movement of her hand spread red dust on him. Making him collapse, she sneered as she muttered, "Heh…she'll end up dying in your hands. I am of course a Dark Elf, a fool you weren't for listening to her before you fell under my spell of temptation."

She began to laugh as she carried him to there room slowly closing the door behind her with an evil smirk. "Now to confront the woman." She vanished in thin air leaving the young man on the floor.

Baby Sister…help me…


Kaoru turned her head suddenly and faced the skyand thought, "No…it couldn't be him…"

They had gotten out of the forest and where seeing an endless field of hills and in the background they saw mountains. They where on top of a steep hill.

Kaoru looked on ahead before she abruptly stopped, she was startled. Before her was Toma the Dark Elf smirking evilly her index finger waving in front of her own face.

Kenshin "Kaoru-dono why did you stop?" He looked onward

Misao walked over to Kaoru and put her hand on Kaoru's shoulder only to be caught in a bridal style. "Everyone JUMP!" Her eyes with a frightened emotion.

Kenshin and Aoshi had sensed it too and Kenshin quickly grabbing hold of Yahiko and Tsubame clinging on Kenshin's shirt he jumped. Aoshi jumped as well and Sano carried Megumi over his shoulder jumped with all his might.

"Shinjasu Mana Fori Sinkago!" Kaoru cried out. They where all caught in an invisible levitation spell.

On the ground, there was a large crack and the earth seemed to have opened ready to swallow all of the Kenshin-gumi.

Toma clapped as she grinned saying, "Always ready Kaoru! You learned something over the years you weren't with your---

"NO! You will not say another word Toma!" Kaoru blurted out.

Toma clapped her hands once and smiled saying, "So you haven't told them! Haha this will be even more fun then I thought. Expect to see me soon Kaoru-chan."

The dark elf disappeared laughing evilly all the way. The ground slowly closed and it returned too normal.

But before I leave I'll leave you your worst nightmares from when you where younger…haha…memories you have regretted for years…

Kaoru still holding Misao bridal style let her go and then covered her face with her hand as images flooded back in. Blood, fire, ashes…

"NO! Stop Toma! I DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER!" Kaoru yelled as she held her head from both sides and had her eyes closed. Her levitation spell resided and they all fell on their butts expect for Aoshi who of course was prepared. --

Kenshin instantly went to Kaoru's aid and embraced her tightly careful not to touch her staff, "Kaoru-dono its going to be okay. What did that Dark Elf do to you?"

"Memories…"Kaoru whispered with anguish as she closed her eyes tightly and hid her face in Kenshin's chest. As she wrapped her arms around his back and began to cry silently.

My brother…

The sounds of feet where heard in the long narrow hallways. Kino softly smiled at how his plan was coming along. He would have all he wanted his beloved sister and the world they would see, not only known as Prince Kino and Princess Kaoru.

Kino thought to himself, "I must speak to mother and father together so they will see how much I have suffered."

He walked hurriedly toward the throne room and knocked loudly. The whispers of his father and mother where heard inside as they said "Enter" Slowly opening the door he said almost at the same instant they where about to say his name, "Mother, Father I bring you news that I will take my leave for my traveling once again. This time I will take Kaoru with me, if you like it or not."

His eyes narrowed dangerously as he talked to his parents. They noticed this and the King slightly hesitated as he said, "You will not take Kaoru, Kino. If you do, you will loose the right to the throne, Kaoru will be the one to take over this land after both your mother, and I die. Do you really want to disobey me?"

Kino laughed as he stated, "Father like I give a damn about the throne and my right. SO take it if you wish."

"Hiroshi!" The king yelled to his royal servant. However, no one came, and the king raised an eyebrow suspiciously and yelled once again, "Hiroshi!"

"He won't come." Kaoru stated as she entered the large room with her arms folded across her chest. Her katana strapped across her waist and her staff held in her right hand she wore a dark blue cloak and she carried a medium sized bag. This contained some food, some of her clothes, an extra pair of boots, and books that contained magic spells.

"Kaoru-chan?" Her mother muttered quietly and then she said loudly, "Kaoru what in the world has gotten in to you?"

Kaoru giggled covering her mouth slightly as she said, "Mother nothing is wrong with me and father you should not call on a man that will not come to you, all of the servants the cooks are gone!"

The Kings and Queens eyes widened and then there father roared, "What is the meaning of this! Kino Kamiya and Kaoru Kamiya answer me this instant!"

Kino shrugged and then grinned wolfishly as he replied, "Father, Mother its time for us to leave but to leave a parting gift is always necessary do you not think?"

Kino brought his hand up and yelled, "Garemai Uinsa Sanc!" lights began to flow into Kino's hands and soon it formed a large yellow sphere.

The Queen had a horrified look on her face and got up quickly as did the King.

"What are you doing Kino?" His mother asked meekly as she slowly backed away.

Kaoru "Kino has suffered Mother and you will feel his pain…"Kaoru said slowly and then caught the pinch of sadness in her mother's eyes. Her horrified composure dropped as easily as made she quietly sat down putting her delicate hands on her lap smiled softly and closed her eyes.

The King, "What are you doing Miya! Do you have no pride for yourself?" He asked

Kino hesitated as his attack faltered making it attack the wall. It was suppose to directly hit the Queen and King. Kaoru was now trembling as she saw her mother seated down waiting for death to come.

"Mother, why are you just seating there? Are you a fool or a sad mother to have children as rebellious as us?" Kino asked as he prepared himself for a scolding, but what she said caught him by surprise, "Kino, I am as proud a mother to have had you and Kaoru, I understand that you have suffered as we as parents knew from when you where a young age loved to explore. However, you must understand dear that I feel pity for you, for getting your sister in this ordeal, which could have been conversed in an orderly manner. I am not afraid of death if it is from my children who rebel against us."

Kaoru "Elder Brother stop it we have gone to far!"

"Be quiet Kaoru for this is between me and our parents." Kino snapped as his blue eyes darkened and his still raised hand began to consume flickering lights. Kaoru eyes narrowed dangerously to her brother but before she could do or say anything her father bellowed, "We forgive you for your evil sins son for we love you." He sat down and put his large hand over mother's small one.

Kino angrily thought, "Mother and Father have never loved me! They have always complained about my travels and where always angry with me for doing the things I did. I despise them, yet they say they love me, the only person I love is Kaoru! Who has always been by my side. I will kill them no matter what and then Kaoru and I will demolish this castle."

"You…you have never LOVED me! Neither one of you I despise everything about you, you have never agreed about my travels and always bad mouthed me behind my back!" Kino yelled out

The Queens eyes snapped open and then she replied, "We have never approved of your travels because Kaoru was always left alone! We have never bad mouthed you either if we where to talk about you behind you back it would be for our concern for Kaoru."

They are lying though…

Kaoru's eyes widened as she blurted out, "But I overheard you say that so called son of mine! As if you wouldn't want him as a son in the first place and Kino has never left me alone ever!"

Kino eyes softened as he heard Kaoru speak.

"It is time! Good bye mother, father…you will see the netherworld soon enough." Kino cried out as he muttered the spell under his breath and the light that had been consumed in his hand shot out tremendous shot of energy toward his parents.

Kaoru's open eyes saw the image that she would never forget. Her father protecting her mother who had averted her gaze to Kaoru and smiled whispering something she made out, "I will always love both of you so will your father…we will forgive you…"

"KAORU!" Kino yelled as he covered her with his body and chanted a teleportation spell.

Instantly the where teleported into the outskirts of the Forest of Gionova where some of Kino's belongings where.

"I am sorry Kaoru for you had to see that. That spell was strong enough to cover the entire castle and destroy it…come now everyone will soon think were dead. Were far away from the castle."

Kaoru fell on her knees and dropped her staff as she fell to the ground in exhaustion only hearing her hansom brother yell out, "Sister!"

Life is but a flicker of time…mother used to say…now I know why.


Kaoru opened one eye slowly and saw the blurry images of the Kenshin-gumi who surrounded her. She was laying down the grass and on her forehead was a wet rag.

"Kaoru!" Kenshin exclaimed and fell to his knees and hugged her tightly.

Kaoru blushed immediately and groggily said, "Kenshin?"

Megumi slyly smiled as fox ears appeared on her head as she laughed. "My very forward of you Ken-san ne?"

"Oh my how romantic." Tsubame silently whispered.

Misao puffed up her chest and put her hands on her hips as she said, "What so romantic about that Tsubame? If they where to kiss that would be romantic!"

"Yuck! That's not romantic but disgusting!" Yahiko snorted as he folded his arms and stood beside a laughing Sano.

Aoshi stood there seemingly annoyed at the situation but he kept an emotionless face on.

Kenshin immediately let go and turned his head the other way as he said, " Oro! I'm glad your okay Kaoru-dono." Kaoru sat up motionless about the event but inside she was burning hot with embarrassment. Her eyes where covered by her dark bangs, but she couldn't help but want to laugh…no she couldn't…it would be to rude of her.

The soft cool breeze fell upon the Kenshin-gumi causing Kaoru's bangs to softly swerve in front of her. Kaoru's hand went to her mouth and her index finger slightly touched her lips once again her bangs covered her eyes. The Kenshin-gumi where wondering if she was about to say something coldly but nothing came, her back was toward them.

Kaoru's black cloak seemed to have lifted up and then reside. Her staff was still carried on her back strap. "Where is my katana?" Kaoru asked finally as she turned to face the group who where speculating her.

Kenshin grabbed hold of a dark blue hilt and quickly took it out of his belt waist, where he had his own katana. Quietly he gave it to Kaoru and she smiled in gratitude as she said, "We will be entering the mountains soon where there shall be a village named Lamael, there we shall buy all of you proper clothes to wear, in the cold. Since the mountains are in highest elevation it shall be below 30 degrees, after the mountains we should be getting near the Dragon King's castle which is floating overhead…sea."

"Sea?" The Kenshin-gumi said in unison as they all gaped.

Kaoru had a dumbfounded look and then fell down anime style as she said, "Misao-san we.. YOUsaid wewould bekilling the Dragon King didn't you? Did you not look what kind of Dragon King he would be?"

She got up slowly, picked up her fallen katana, and put it on her belt waist.

"Well no…haha" Misao laughed as she scratched the back of her head as everyone else accept for Kaoru fell down anime style.

"You itachi! When you said that we would be killing the Dragon King Slane we all thought you had at least done some research on it!" Megumi scolded and began to bicker with Misao.

Tsubame "Now, now Megumi-san, Misao-san—'turning her head toward Kaoru'---but if floating over water wouldn't it not be a likely place to breed dragons?"

Kaoru "Well of course not, Slane is only one of many Dragon Kings that rule over a certain elemental species of dragons," She explained her back straight. Yahiko soon asked, "One in many Dragon Kings?" Kaoru smiled ever slightly as she continued with her explanation, "Yes, Slane happens to rule over the Dragons of the Sea which are specifically known as Water Dragons. He happens to be dictating the water dragons so they will give his the power to rule over part of the land, he is supposedly powerful not even the mighty water dragons can beat him in battle. One of the most ferocious of all the dragons is The Dragon of Fire, which currently ruled over Dragon Queen Celene, she however is not dictating the dragons in the Volcanic Region. She herself is half dragon and is said to be very kind as well as being beautiful and very temperamental, there are more I can name but wouldn't want to bored you all."

The Kenshin-gumi where in awe, and finally Megumi said, "Kaoru-san how in the world do you know all of this?"

Kaoru flicked a strand of her hair from her face and replied, "I learned it in my studies, and we should get going if we want to get at least to the village."

She began to walk away and the Kenshin-gumi began to follow all of them bickering accept for Kenshin and Aoshi who where absorbing the information in as well as walking side by side.

Toma looked from the sky but very far away and put a hand on her chin as she said, "Interesting, he won't like to be kept in the dark from this but I want to have some fun with her first then I shall go and speak with Slane. Heh…we will meet again my dear Kaoru." She giggled as she levitated on to her destination.

TBC

This was a long chappie! I hope you enjoyed it my fellow readers, please review it.